Chapter 2- Taguchi Approach to Quality and Cost Improvement (eChapter from A Primer on the Taguchi Method, 2nd Edition)

Description

Taguchi started to develop new methods to optimize the process of engineering experimentation. He developed the techniques that are now known as the Taguchi Methods. His greatest contribution lies not in the mathematical formulation of the design of experiments (DOE) but rather in the accompanying philosophy. His approach is more than a method to layout experiments. It is a concept that has produced a unique and powerful quality improvement discipline that differs from traditional practices. Two completely opposing points of view are commonly held about Taguchi’s contribution to the statistical design of experiments. One view holds that his contribution to the field of quality control is one of the most significant developments of the last few decades. The other view maintains that many of the ideas proposed in Taguchi’s approach are neither new nor were they developed by him. This text will not resolve this controversy but will explain application principles and document successful case studies using Taguchi’s methods. These new techniques were transplanted to the United States in the early 1980s and created significant changes in quality engineering methods in this country. The Taguchi approach has been successfully applied in several industrial organizations and has completely changed their outlook on quality improvement activities. Taguchi espoused an excellent philosophy for quality control in the manufacturing industries.